Trying to purge the ghost of Brad Lincoln, Morkertzuma's Revenge found an opportunity to stabilize their pitching staff, specifically their starting pitching in exchange for some top prospects.
The Revenge acquired starting stud Adam Wainwright (.40 16+) and Bartolo Colon (.13 16+) and sent to the Twin Killers Lucas Sims (.05 Mx), Jaime Garcia (.10 16+) and pitching prospect stud Jon Gray (.10 Mx).
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Bitter Rivals Conspire on First Trade of the Season
With the Beatniks able to see first place without binoculars since, well, maybe ever, they looked around to see where they could make some improvements. Like last year, they had a surplus of starting pitching and a dirth of speed. And, like last year, the Beatniks turned to their hated rivals, Dem Rebels for some help.
In a deal just announced this morning, the Beatniks traded Ian Kennedy (.02 16+), Brandon Crawford (.04 16+) and Austin Meadows (.05 Mx) to Dem Rebels in exchange for speed demon Dee Gordon (.05 15+) and Justin Ruggiano (.06 14).
Last year the Beatniks acquired Ben Revere for Mike Minor and others. Less than a week after the trade Revere broke his foot and was essentially useless the remainder of the season. That experience didn't stop the Beatniks from trying it again.
"I had my scouts sitting in the stands down in that pit he calls Confederate Park with a high-powered sonogram and focused it on all of Gordon's appendages," said Head Beatnik, Nick Hansen. "Reports came back that his bone structure was solid and we shouldn't have a repeat from last year.
When asked why he would make a trade with a hated rival, Head Rebel Rich Bentel responded "This trade made so much sense on many levels. We need starting pitching since we don't seem to recognize that as a component during the actual draft. And when you look at the players we received, it matches with our team chemistry. Crawford almost sounds like crawfish which is one of the delicacies we sell at our concession carts. Kennedy is reminiscent of aristocracy, blue blood, cogentry that we despise down here. . . oh wait, that doesn't make any sense. But with Meadows we figured we can't have enough 19 year old prospects on our team. He's essentially the same age as my oldest daughter. I looked at her over dinner last night and thought 'Can you really cover centerfield and get on base at a .360 clip?' I have faith."
In a deal just announced this morning, the Beatniks traded Ian Kennedy (.02 16+), Brandon Crawford (.04 16+) and Austin Meadows (.05 Mx) to Dem Rebels in exchange for speed demon Dee Gordon (.05 15+) and Justin Ruggiano (.06 14).
Last year the Beatniks acquired Ben Revere for Mike Minor and others. Less than a week after the trade Revere broke his foot and was essentially useless the remainder of the season. That experience didn't stop the Beatniks from trying it again.
"I had my scouts sitting in the stands down in that pit he calls Confederate Park with a high-powered sonogram and focused it on all of Gordon's appendages," said Head Beatnik, Nick Hansen. "Reports came back that his bone structure was solid and we shouldn't have a repeat from last year.
When asked why he would make a trade with a hated rival, Head Rebel Rich Bentel responded "This trade made so much sense on many levels. We need starting pitching since we don't seem to recognize that as a component during the actual draft. And when you look at the players we received, it matches with our team chemistry. Crawford almost sounds like crawfish which is one of the delicacies we sell at our concession carts. Kennedy is reminiscent of aristocracy, blue blood, cogentry that we despise down here. . . oh wait, that doesn't make any sense. But with Meadows we figured we can't have enough 19 year old prospects on our team. He's essentially the same age as my oldest daughter. I looked at her over dinner last night and thought 'Can you really cover centerfield and get on base at a .360 clip?' I have faith."
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
The Swing wins K-Wood Day!
We have reached the first Special Day of the year. K-Wood Day, honoring Kerry Wood's 20 strikeout performance against the Houston Astros, celebrates the CFCL team that had the most strikeouts from their active roster. And what a pathetic collective performance it was. Not one TEAM could outperform Kerry's INDIVIDUAL performance 16 years ago. But The Swing came close, notching 17 strikeouts to take home the prize. They will be receiving a e-gift card from mlb.com in their InBox soon.
Interestingly, the Bulls had a chance to win. Strategically they benched Edwin Jackson while he pitched against the White Sox. Normally a good move, except that Jackson came through with a Quality Start . . . and nine strikeouts, all on reserve. The nine strikeouts would have given the Bulls enough to overtake The Swing.
Here are the results of all the teams compared to Kerry Wood.
KERRY WOOD - 20
The Swing - 17
Twin Killers - 15
Kenndoza Line - 10
Graging Bulls - 10
Dem Rebels - 9
Beatnicks - 7
Revenge - 3
Clowns - 2
DoorMatts - 0
Ruffins - 0
Wood had more strikeouts on May 6th, 1998 than the Beatnicks, Revenge, Clowns, DoorMatts and Ruffins did last night combined.
Interestingly, the Bulls had a chance to win. Strategically they benched Edwin Jackson while he pitched against the White Sox. Normally a good move, except that Jackson came through with a Quality Start . . . and nine strikeouts, all on reserve. The nine strikeouts would have given the Bulls enough to overtake The Swing.
Here are the results of all the teams compared to Kerry Wood.
KERRY WOOD - 20
The Swing - 17
Twin Killers - 15
Kenndoza Line - 10
Graging Bulls - 10
Dem Rebels - 9
Beatnicks - 7
Revenge - 3
Clowns - 2
DoorMatts - 0
Ruffins - 0
Wood had more strikeouts on May 6th, 1998 than the Beatnicks, Revenge, Clowns, DoorMatts and Ruffins did last night combined.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Roster Freeze Day - The Results
All cuts are in - thank you to those who turned yours in a few hours early. It allowed me to get this post up even quicker.
An updated Roster Excel Spreadsheet has been posted with the current rosters and salaries, but here's an overview of what everyone did.
Long Term Contracts
Not a lot - just four in fact.
The Swing signed Jeff Samardzija to a two year deal (.06 15!)
The Revenge signed Kenley Jansen to a three year deal (.15 16!)
The Ruffins signed Jean Segura to a two year deal (.15 15!)
The Ruffins signed Wilin Rosario to a two year deal (.15 15!)
Big Names Cut
Here are either big names or big salaries that were cut.
Chase Headley
Martin Prado
Matt Harvey
Matt Holliday
Cameron Maybin
Ian Desmond
Andre Ethier
Angel Pagan
Matt Cain
Troy Tulowitzki
Jonathan Papelbon
Ben Revere
Pablo Sandoval
Brandon Phillips
Johnny Cueto
Denard Span
X Contracts Exercised
Starlin Marte (Dem Rebels)
Matt Carpeneter (DoorMatts)
Shelby Miller (Revenge)
Bryce Harper (Bulls)
Andrelton Simmons (Clowns)
Winter Waivers Kept
Brad Ziegler (Dem Rebels)
Robbie Erlin (Dem Rebels)
Rafael Soriano (Bulls)
Garrett Jones (Beatniks)
AJ Burnett (Beatniks)
Jordy Mercer (Beatniks)
Junior Lake (Clowns)
And now what you're really interested in. The money, who has it and how many players are needed. It ran the spectrum:
Kenndoza Line have 1.69 to spend on 8 players (21.1 average)
Revenge have 1.76 to spend on 10 players (17.6)
DoorMatts have 1.21 to spend on 8 players (15.1)
Dem Rebels have 1.30 to spend on 9 players (14.4)
Twin Killers have 2.12 to spend on 16 players (13.25)
Bulls have 1.36 to spend on 12 players (11.3)
Beatniks have 1.24 to spend on 13 players (9.5)
The Swing have 1.38 to spend on 18 players (7.6)
Ruffins have .68 to spend on 9 players (7.5)
Clowns have .50 to spend on 9 players (5.5)
An updated Roster Excel Spreadsheet has been posted with the current rosters and salaries, but here's an overview of what everyone did.
Long Term Contracts
Not a lot - just four in fact.
The Swing signed Jeff Samardzija to a two year deal (.06 15!)
The Revenge signed Kenley Jansen to a three year deal (.15 16!)
The Ruffins signed Jean Segura to a two year deal (.15 15!)
The Ruffins signed Wilin Rosario to a two year deal (.15 15!)
Big Names Cut
Here are either big names or big salaries that were cut.
Chase Headley
Martin Prado
Matt Harvey
Matt Holliday
Cameron Maybin
Ian Desmond
Andre Ethier
Angel Pagan
Matt Cain
Troy Tulowitzki
Jonathan Papelbon
Ben Revere
Pablo Sandoval
Brandon Phillips
Johnny Cueto
Denard Span
X Contracts Exercised
Starlin Marte (Dem Rebels)
Matt Carpeneter (DoorMatts)
Shelby Miller (Revenge)
Bryce Harper (Bulls)
Andrelton Simmons (Clowns)
Winter Waivers Kept
Brad Ziegler (Dem Rebels)
Robbie Erlin (Dem Rebels)
Rafael Soriano (Bulls)
Garrett Jones (Beatniks)
AJ Burnett (Beatniks)
Jordy Mercer (Beatniks)
Junior Lake (Clowns)
And now what you're really interested in. The money, who has it and how many players are needed. It ran the spectrum:
Kenndoza Line have 1.69 to spend on 8 players (21.1 average)
Revenge have 1.76 to spend on 10 players (17.6)
DoorMatts have 1.21 to spend on 8 players (15.1)
Dem Rebels have 1.30 to spend on 9 players (14.4)
Twin Killers have 2.12 to spend on 16 players (13.25)
Bulls have 1.36 to spend on 12 players (11.3)
Beatniks have 1.24 to spend on 13 players (9.5)
The Swing have 1.38 to spend on 18 players (7.6)
Ruffins have .68 to spend on 9 players (7.5)
Clowns have .50 to spend on 9 players (5.5)
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Roster Freeze Day Reminder
Just a final reminder about Roster Freeze Day and the associated cuts.
All cuts must be submitted this Sunday (March 23rd) no later than 3pm Central Time. Please do not have me chase you down to make sure you submitted your cuts. The sooner I get them and can audit them, the sooner I can post the cuts and updated rosters.
One other reminder - Once you submit your cuts, you may not make any adjustments. You may not request to cut a different player, you may not make any trades, everything is frozen when you click "send", whether that is on Thursday or Sunday.
Lastly, when you submit your cuts to me, please put in the subject line "Roster Cuts" or "(Your Team Name) Roster Cuts". While I am hoping all of you attach a spreadsheet which would make it very difficult for me to accidentally see your cuts before I submit mine, I don't want to take any chances.
And in the interest of fairness, I submit my cuts (by 3pm Sunday) to the other members of the EC (Mike C. and Tim). Until I submit my cuts I will not open your e-mail with you cuts. So if you have a question about something that needs a response quickly, do not send it in the e-mail that also has your cuts.
I think that's it. Can't wait to see everyone next Saturday!
All cuts must be submitted this Sunday (March 23rd) no later than 3pm Central Time. Please do not have me chase you down to make sure you submitted your cuts. The sooner I get them and can audit them, the sooner I can post the cuts and updated rosters.
One other reminder - Once you submit your cuts, you may not make any adjustments. You may not request to cut a different player, you may not make any trades, everything is frozen when you click "send", whether that is on Thursday or Sunday.
Lastly, when you submit your cuts to me, please put in the subject line "Roster Cuts" or "(Your Team Name) Roster Cuts". While I am hoping all of you attach a spreadsheet which would make it very difficult for me to accidentally see your cuts before I submit mine, I don't want to take any chances.
And in the interest of fairness, I submit my cuts (by 3pm Sunday) to the other members of the EC (Mike C. and Tim). Until I submit my cuts I will not open your e-mail with you cuts. So if you have a question about something that needs a response quickly, do not send it in the e-mail that also has your cuts.
I think that's it. Can't wait to see everyone next Saturday!
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Clown-Line Trade
In an effort to recreate their showdown in 2012, the Clowns freed up cap space to once again outbid the Kenndoza Line on Drew Stubb this draft by trading with the Kenndoza Line.
The Clowns sent Martin Pradio (.18 14+) to the Line in exchange for Colorado OF prospect Kyle Parker (.02 Mx).
This now gives the Clowns roughly .30 to spend on Stubbs.
The Clowns sent Martin Pradio (.18 14+) to the Line in exchange for Colorado OF prospect Kyle Parker (.02 Mx).
This now gives the Clowns roughly .30 to spend on Stubbs.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Draft Day is Nearing
Well here we are a short 25 days away from Draft Day 2014! We are about to enter our 31st year (And We're Not Even Halfway There!) of competition. There are a couple of things to share with you and a couple of reminders for the draft.
First of all, Draft Day is Saturday, March 31st at my office in Lisle. The address is 4300 Commerce Court, on the third floor, in Lisle, IL. We draft in the Daily Herald Building (blue letters visible from I-88). In the world we currently live in, I am working on the assumption that everyone remembers how to get there from last year (aside from the Swing) and/or has GPS. If you need specific directions/landmarks, etc. e-mail me and I will help you out.
I will be e-mailing the Roster Cut Sheets later this week or early next week. Please use this spreadsheet to identify your keepers, your cuts and any long term contracts you are signing. Any questions about that process can most likely be answered via the Constitution, but if you are unsure about ANYTHING, please e-mail me. We can't undo something after the fact because you weren't sure how to address it and guessed.
Cuts are due back to me Sunday, March 23rd at 3pm. I will verify all cuts, keepers and LTC submitted, and once reconciled will post an updated Roster Excel Spreadsheet (fully accurate) as well as a list of some of the more interesting cuts.
The Draft will begin with the Ruffin Privilege at 1pm. I have encouraged all of you to arrive between 12pm and 12:30 like we normally do. However, I want you to be prepared for a potentially later kick off than 1pm. Why? Well because we just completed our 30th year last year I thought we should celebrate.
So there are a few surprises I have on hand, one of which I will share with you now. While schedules can change in everyone's lives, I have heard from the Six Packs, Stones, Copperfields, Red Hots and Da Paul Meisters that they are planning to stop by, say hello and reminisce a bit.
There are a couple of other surprises I have in store that will stay secret until Draft Day. But in addition to this we have our normal business of handing out forms, taking the league photo, addressing any positional or player eligiblity questions, signing the Copperfield Trophy, electing the EC and collecting payment. So it's going to be busy. I can easily see where we will have a few delays before we kick off the draft. Once the draft begins, I expect things to run as normal.
I asked earlier and heard from a couple of owners. I will ask one last time. If you would prefer your name not be listed on the ballot for the Executive Committee, please let me know. If I don't hear from you I am assuming you are willing to be elected if your peers so choose. If elected you will be expected to serve and address any ruling questions that come in to play during the season. It's usually pretty low key and easy, but if there is an issue, well, things really start to take off.
One other thing, with the CFCL fees. Everyone owes $120 to participate for 2014. At the banquet (and in e-mail to out of town owners) we agreed as a league to keep the fees at $120 for the foreseeable future, rather than vote on the fees going up each year. Please, please, PLEASE bring your fees to the draft. You can either bring cash or check (made payable to me). For the last three years I have had to chase owners down to collect fees that were not turned in on Draft Day. Fortunately there haven't been any repeat offender owners, just a repeat of the offense three years running. I don't have time to chase people down for the fees. It just adds another thing on my To-Do list that doesn't need to be there. The DoorMatts have been kind enough to agree to help me out in the collection process. They will be going around the room collecting your cash or checks while I'm busy handing out forms, etc. Quick shout out to the DoorMatts - they have already provided me their 2014 fees!
Last thing for now. Nutrition. No, I don't care if you carb up or put yourself into a sugar coma (actually that would be preferred to allow me a somewhat level playing field). As always feel free to bring anything you want to eat. Couple of quick common sense rules.
1) No alcohol. Again, it most likely would help me (you guys getting drunk), but I need everyone to get home safely.
2) We have access to a fridge and microwave. But the space in the fridge is not endless. So if you are planning on bringing four six-foot hoagies and not sharing, have a place in a portable cooler for a couple of them so you don't dominate the fridge.
3) Crumbs. In order to ensure we can use this room in 2015, we need to leave the room as clean or cleaner than we found it.
Last, last thing. Computers. By all means, bring a computer. There is enough space on the table for each of us to have a computer. Problem is there aren't enough outlets. We need powerstrips. If you have one, please bring it. Having too many is better than too few.
That's a lot for now, so we're done. Later in the week I will be posting some thoughts about the use of the Internet (previously forbidden) at the draft. I will need feedback so we can decide as a league the best course of action. But for now, can't wait to see you all on the 29th!
First of all, Draft Day is Saturday, March 31st at my office in Lisle. The address is 4300 Commerce Court, on the third floor, in Lisle, IL. We draft in the Daily Herald Building (blue letters visible from I-88). In the world we currently live in, I am working on the assumption that everyone remembers how to get there from last year (aside from the Swing) and/or has GPS. If you need specific directions/landmarks, etc. e-mail me and I will help you out.
I will be e-mailing the Roster Cut Sheets later this week or early next week. Please use this spreadsheet to identify your keepers, your cuts and any long term contracts you are signing. Any questions about that process can most likely be answered via the Constitution, but if you are unsure about ANYTHING, please e-mail me. We can't undo something after the fact because you weren't sure how to address it and guessed.
Cuts are due back to me Sunday, March 23rd at 3pm. I will verify all cuts, keepers and LTC submitted, and once reconciled will post an updated Roster Excel Spreadsheet (fully accurate) as well as a list of some of the more interesting cuts.
The Draft will begin with the Ruffin Privilege at 1pm. I have encouraged all of you to arrive between 12pm and 12:30 like we normally do. However, I want you to be prepared for a potentially later kick off than 1pm. Why? Well because we just completed our 30th year last year I thought we should celebrate.
So there are a few surprises I have on hand, one of which I will share with you now. While schedules can change in everyone's lives, I have heard from the Six Packs, Stones, Copperfields, Red Hots and Da Paul Meisters that they are planning to stop by, say hello and reminisce a bit.
There are a couple of other surprises I have in store that will stay secret until Draft Day. But in addition to this we have our normal business of handing out forms, taking the league photo, addressing any positional or player eligiblity questions, signing the Copperfield Trophy, electing the EC and collecting payment. So it's going to be busy. I can easily see where we will have a few delays before we kick off the draft. Once the draft begins, I expect things to run as normal.
I asked earlier and heard from a couple of owners. I will ask one last time. If you would prefer your name not be listed on the ballot for the Executive Committee, please let me know. If I don't hear from you I am assuming you are willing to be elected if your peers so choose. If elected you will be expected to serve and address any ruling questions that come in to play during the season. It's usually pretty low key and easy, but if there is an issue, well, things really start to take off.
One other thing, with the CFCL fees. Everyone owes $120 to participate for 2014. At the banquet (and in e-mail to out of town owners) we agreed as a league to keep the fees at $120 for the foreseeable future, rather than vote on the fees going up each year. Please, please, PLEASE bring your fees to the draft. You can either bring cash or check (made payable to me). For the last three years I have had to chase owners down to collect fees that were not turned in on Draft Day. Fortunately there haven't been any repeat offender owners, just a repeat of the offense three years running. I don't have time to chase people down for the fees. It just adds another thing on my To-Do list that doesn't need to be there. The DoorMatts have been kind enough to agree to help me out in the collection process. They will be going around the room collecting your cash or checks while I'm busy handing out forms, etc. Quick shout out to the DoorMatts - they have already provided me their 2014 fees!
Last thing for now. Nutrition. No, I don't care if you carb up or put yourself into a sugar coma (actually that would be preferred to allow me a somewhat level playing field). As always feel free to bring anything you want to eat. Couple of quick common sense rules.
1) No alcohol. Again, it most likely would help me (you guys getting drunk), but I need everyone to get home safely.
2) We have access to a fridge and microwave. But the space in the fridge is not endless. So if you are planning on bringing four six-foot hoagies and not sharing, have a place in a portable cooler for a couple of them so you don't dominate the fridge.
3) Crumbs. In order to ensure we can use this room in 2015, we need to leave the room as clean or cleaner than we found it.
Last, last thing. Computers. By all means, bring a computer. There is enough space on the table for each of us to have a computer. Problem is there aren't enough outlets. We need powerstrips. If you have one, please bring it. Having too many is better than too few.
That's a lot for now, so we're done. Later in the week I will be posting some thoughts about the use of the Internet (previously forbidden) at the draft. I will need feedback so we can decide as a league the best course of action. But for now, can't wait to see you all on the 29th!
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